Photographs and television didn't exist in the early 1800s, so accurate likenesses of the famous and infamous were rare. Prints and figurines were the most common kinds of portraits that could be bought by the average person. Fame seemed to cling to the same type of celebrity as it does today: royalty, theatrical stars, sports figures, politicians and criminals. George Washington's likeness was familiar to nearly everyone, because the famous oil portraits showing his face were adapted to show him on horseback, standing or posing as a deity.

The Playwrights' Round Table, Orlando's homegrown group that shepherds original work to the stage, is keeping with its traditional program for the 2014-15 theatrical season. The PRT, as it's known, will present two evenings of short, original plays; one full-length premiere; and its annual festival named for the late John Goring, a former PRT president. Playwrights' Round Table shows are staged at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. For more information on the group, go to theprt.com Although the season's titles haven't been selected yet, here's the lineup of dates: • SUMMER SHORTS 2014: July 25-Aug.

Left on the table Apparently the money problems are over in Tallahassee. Florida is flush with cash. How else to explain state officials' giving up on collecting $124.2 million in taxes, fees and fines? This marks the third year in a row that the state has written off more than $100 million it's owed as uncollectable, and the tally has been rising since 2010. It's true that 2012's total represents a small fraction of the state's $70 billion budget. But $124.2 million is still real money, even in Tallahassee.

The issue of affordable housing has come up again, after the City Commission endorsed a plan to help Habitat for Humanity to tear down an aging house and build a new one on the property. Dori Stone, Winter Park's director of planning and community development, presented a proposal to City Commissioners on Monday to provide funds to Habitat for Humanity, so the organization could purchase the property at 832 English Court. “We have the opportunity under our affordable housing money to buy a home for Habitat for Humanity,” Stone told the commissioners.

Dear Greg: In December 2007, I purchased a table with an expandable leaf and six chairs from Rooms To Go. There was one table leg that I always had problems with and usually only noticed when I expanded the table. RTG serviced that same leg at least three times, telling me each time that I shouldn't have any more problems with it. Well, guess what? I expanded the table last weekend, and the leg broke off. Now, because it is out of warranty, there is nothing they can do. It's a shame that I paid more than $1,200 for a table that is now useless, as it only has three legs.

Guess who's coming to dinner? That's just part of the charm of The Table Orlando, a Friday and Saturday night prix fixe supper club experience on Restaurant Row. Don't look for signs for The Table along Sand Lake Road. In fact, don't expect this to be an easy find. The reward for persistent foodies is in the busy Dellagio complex, across from Regions Bank. Walking through the unassuming glazed double doors etched with "The Table" feels as if you are entering the dining room of a posh home.

The connections between people and their histories never cease to amaze me. I grew up hearing stories about "J&L" steel in Pittsburgh, where my grandfather had worked as a young man. There was a time in the Pittsburgh area when everyone knew someone connected with J&L. And I realized with a mild shock recently that a Jimmy Laughlin in Central Florida's past is that Laughlin . . . the L in J&L. Theresa Segers and her dad, Judge Peterson -- his first name...

This oak extension table comfortably seats eight to 10 adults. Made from oak and oak plywood, it measures 64 inches long by 36 inches wide by 29 inches high. It extends to 88 inches long with the leaf.The plan includes 10 step-by-step photos and instructions, detailed diagrams, a materials list and cutting schedule. Metal slides, attached to the underside of the table with wood screws, allow you to insert the leaf by pulling the ends of the table away from each other. No special tools are required.

Eastern Airlines and its pilots are headed back to the negotiating table in response to a three-year, 20 percent pay cut offered by the pilots union. The pilots estimated that the pay cut, which would be in addition to earlier concessions granted the Miami-based airline, would save Eastern $300 million over three years. Eastern, with a $2.5 billion debt, must reach agreements with its three unions by Feb. 28 or face default on some of its loans.

OCOEE - Mark Hazell, 22, who has a degree in philosophy, played for several hours. Ten-year-old Timothy Lee and his 8-year-old brother Aydin played for about 10 minutes. Michael McFarland, 46, has made it his life's work. All four played table tennis Sunday at West Oaks Mall during a Father's Day exhibition designed to expand the sport in the Orlando area. McFarland, a former Florida state champion from Largo, was the organizer on behalf of the Florida Grassroots Table Tennis Association.

The new Artisan's Table in downtown Orlando has a lot going for it. The location off Orange Avenue is prime for downtown workers, concertgoers and sports fans headed to Amway Center and visitors staying at the nearby Grand Bohemian. Yes, the three former restaurants in this spot closed but two - The Black Olive and Pine 22 - had memorable runs. The menu features an eclectic breakfast lineup and creative lunch and dinner options. My two visits concentrated on afternoon and evening meals, but I am looking forward to some morning eats there soon.

TALLAHASSEE - House Speaker Will Weatherford put a lid on any gambling legislation this session, including a proposal that would require tracks to report greyhound injuries and deaths. "I would say at this point the lights are out," Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told The News Service of Florida on Wednesday afternoon. Weatherford's comments came a day after a Senate committee set in motion a measure that would add Florida to all other states but Alabama that require greyhound tracks to report dog injuries.

Passover begins at sundown Monday. If you are on the hunt for special foods for meals and observances, check out the displays in local supermarkets as well as stores and eateries such as: • Brown's New York Deli : 1201 S. Orlando Ave. (at Lake Avenue), Suite 156, Maitland; 407-960-6999; brownsnydeli.com • Kosher Gourmet : 7508 Universal Blvd., Orlando; 407-354-1296; koshergourmet.biz • Kosher Kitchen : 180 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood; 407-696-8873; kosherkats.com Lost Shirley is looking for Pel-Freez frozen rabbit . She says a local supplier would be great.

"The Legacy," a new thriller onstage from Playwrights' Round Table, is for those who like their thrills without frills. Playwright Max Gutmann gets the action going right from the start, and director Laurel Clark keeps her taut cast focused on the mystery at hand. That doesn't mean the audience misses out on extras, such as an amusing set and frequently humorous line delivery by the show's trio of actresses. But everything works on behalf of the central puzzle: What is really going on?

Whether you're a beginner or a pro DIYer, we have a project for you at the Central Florida Home + Garden Show. Local do-it-yourself expert Chris Tice will demonstrate four projects each day - a wine bottle chandelier, a silverware wall clock, a handy space saving knife/space/iPad stand, and a cooler that doubles to a portable A/C unit. When it comes to giving DIY advice, Chris' motto is "Just Do It" as he recommends jumping right into a project, getting your hands dirty and practicing while becoming familiar with your tools.

The month of May could have gone a lot better for Lake Highland Prep’s Ty Law. But the way he sees things, it could have been much worse too. Law (5-9, 165) found out in mid-May that his first two, and most noteworthy, scholarship offers from NC State and West Virginia had been retracted because both programs filled up on cornerback commitments already. It was a sobering moment for the rising senior. “It was like the same day. It was a bad day for me,” Law said.

This oak table will adjust to any angle you want. Designed as a drafting table, it also be can used as a fabric cutting table, craft table or desk.Made from oak and oak plywood, the surface measures 48 inches by 36 inches, the table is 36 1/2 inches deep and the base stands 29 inches high. Two drawers, one on each side, keep working materials close at hand without cluttering the table top.The plans include step-by-step instructions, a materials list and a cutting schedule.The board that holds the table top at an angle is removable to create a flat surface and can be different widths to create any angle desired.

Do you have a refined interest in food and beverages? Seeking out new food experiences as a hobby? Then you just might be a foodie! Enjoy demonstrations from renowned local chefs and check out sweet and savory cooking demonstrations by some of Central Florida's top chefs throughout the weekend. The popular Edible Orlando Cooking Stage will heat up with spring recipes sure to please guests. The best part? Samples. And if you can't get enough of the foodie scene, don't miss the Food Truck Rally on Sun. only.

Tour the Designer Rooms and get inspired to refresh your home décor. Learn how to transform what's in your garage, attic and closets into unique conversation pieces by upcycling. Students from The International Academy of Design and Technology have designed four rooms on a budget of $400 using repurposed and recycled items. Room styles such as shabby chic, urban upcycle, tropical, and modern will be showcased using 70% upcycled materials, a small budget and unlimited creativity.